Sleeping Angels, Waking Demons
Taiwan really has beautiful scenery everywhere, and these sights often heal travelers both physically and mentally. Wanting to escape the hustle and bustle, my personal favorite nearby spots, aside from Yilan, are “Yangmingshan” next. Because the “Yangjin Highway” not only offers stunning views but also family-friendly attractions. Here are four recommended routes for you to consider—why not pick one to unwind after this super busy week?
Flower Trial Center → Yannick (dessert DIY) → Mountain Vegetable Lunch → Jinshan Wangwang Sweet Potato Farm (sweet potato digging/dinner)
Jinshan Wangwang Sweet Potato Farm (sweet potato digging/lunch) → Bayan Settlement → Zhuzihu (Caifu Sea picking calla lilies/hydrangeas OR hiking) → Mountain Vegetable Dinner
Xiaoyoukeng (learn about volcanic geological landscapes) → Erziping Trail (butterfly trail/picnic) → Fuyuan Garden Educational Leisure Farm (natural ecological park with water fights/dinner)
Erziping Trail (butterfly trail) → Mountain Vegetable Lunch → Xiaoyoukeng (learn about volcanic geological landscapes) → Qingtian Gang (lush green fields) → Shilin Night Market
The “Flower Trial Center” is managed by the Taipei City Government’s Public Works Bureau, Park, Road, and Street Lighting Engineering Office. The park includes sections such as the camellia area, herb area, fragrant flower area, Yoshino cherry area, native azalea area, maple tree area, coniferous tree area, fern greenhouse, and succulent greenhouse, covering a vast area of approximately 4 hectares; currently, free admission is offered.
It features the largest camellia forest in northern Taiwan, along with seasonal blooms that change throughout the year—red, pink, purple… so beautiful it’s intoxicating. A riot of colors competing in splendor, a feast for the eyes.
The park’s sleeper-trail paths and pebble stone paths are quiet and serene, blending into the dense green tunnel, offering a wonderful feeling of being close to nature—truly refreshing and uplifting.
It’s not only a hidden gem for flower viewing but also a popular spot for wedding photos. Even on regular days, it attracts many visitors.
Address: No. 32, Lane 175, Section 4, Yangde Boulevard, Shilin District, Taipei City
Phone: 02-2861-6361
Business Hours: Monday–Sunday, 8:00–17:00
Parking: None
Notes: Free entry
Located near the “Flower Trial Center,” just an 8-minute walk uphill, you’ll suddenly feel as if you’ve stepped into an exotic corner of the American South. The sounds around you are no longer the noise of the city, but tranquility, plus the distant sound of smooth jazz music.
The interior still retains many vintage items, with red brick walls marked by time, rustic-style artistic chandeliers and ceiling fans, all perfectly showcasing the charm of the original building.
The homestyle flavors of a Southern American mom are transformed into savory pies, such as smoked salmon, fresh vegetable and wild mushroom, garden tomato and bacon… etc., allowing this delightful American taste to continue spreading in Shanzihou. Savor the exquisite offerings at Dream Village No. 1 Store, which specializes in “American pies” and “savory pies.” Here, you just can’t help but linger all day.
Store No. 2 has a baking classroom where you can join your children in hands-on dessert-making courses, sharing quality parent-child DIY time.
Step outside the store, walk up the stone steps beside the front yard’s hedge and flowers, and enter the spacious backyard lawn. A massive old banyan tree stands tall and proud. Picnic mats and baskets are provided—you can pack them with Taisugar milk rolls, cakes, or savory pies, then sit or lie down and enjoy the moment freely.
Address: No. 481, Lane 4, Changchun Street, Shilin District, Taipei City
Phone: 02-2862-5609
Business Hours:
Summer: Monday–Sunday, 9:30–20:00
Winter: Monday–Friday, 10:30–20:00; Saturday–Sunday, 9:30–20:00
Parking: None
Notes: DIY classes require booking via the official website or phone call at least 3 days in advance.
Japanese researchers who have explored the area discovered that “Zhuzihu” has excellent phytoncide levels. In recent years, following restoration efforts by the Taipei City Government, “Zhuzihu” now features six uniquely themed scenic trails. Along the way, besides the famous calla lilies, you can also enjoy seasonal sights such as red maples, wisteria, cherry blossoms, hydrangeas, and various native plants, providing visitors with the best natural experience and cultural journey.
The six hiking trails in "Zhuzihhu" are as follows: Shuibaweilaka Trail, Zhuzihhu Streamside Trail, Houqian Trail, Literature Trail, Hutian Elementary School Trail, and Shuichailiao Trail. There are three locations in "Zhuzihhu" where you can pick calla lilies: Dinghu, Donghu, and Calla Lily Boulevard. All three spots have numerous shops where you can pick calla lilies while enjoying a meal at a restaurant or café.
P.S. The Yangmingshan Calla Lily Festival begins at the end of February and runs until late May, with the main festival taking place between March and April. Anyone visiting "Zhuzihhu" during the Calla Lily Festival can enjoy a variety of activities.
At "Dinghu Caifu Calla Lily Farm," the entire mountain view combined with the calla lily fields is truly stunning. You can also see the Xiaoyoukeng crater. They sell pancakes, drinks, and there's even a slide that kids love. Even better, the frog slides come in kids' sizes. Whether you're taking photos, walking the trails, or dining, everything feels comfortable and romantic.
P.S. Early June is the best time to admire hydrangeas, and Caifu also grows them.
Address: Intersection of Zhuzihhu Road and Yangjin Highway, Yangmingshan, Beitou District, Taipei City
Phone: 02-2892-4185 ext. 450 (Beitou District Farmers' Association)
Parking: Available, for a fee
Address: No. 69, Zhuzihhu Road, Yangmingshan, Beitou District, Taipei City (bottom of Dinghu)
Phone: 0928-624-802
Business hours:
Monday to Sunday, 13:00–18:00 (Closed on Tuesdays)
Saturday, 13:00–20:00
Sunday, 08:00–19:00
Parking: None. Drive along Zhuzihhu Road and park near the sign for "Huagu Calla Lily Garden."
The area with the most restaurants and snacks in "Zhuzihhu" is along Calla Lily Boulevard. Recommended restaurants in "Zhuzihhu" include Ji Yuan Pu Garden Restaurant, Qing Cai Yuan, Shan Yuan, Ye Cai Wu, Chang Qing Lu, and Lao Hu Tian Snack Shop. Each has its own unique style and excellent reviews. Especially Qing Cai Yuan — despite being an unassuming tin-roofed building, it gets extremely crowded during mealtimes. You need to register first, then the staff will seat you, and the food comes out quickly. Must-try dishes include fried mushrooms, stir-fried cabbage, stir-fried fern, salted egg with white bamboo shoots, braised tofu, and steamed chicken.
Opposite Qing Cai Yuan, Shan Yuan Gourmet Restaurant is also a great eatery with more seating. Its signature dishes differ from Qing Cai Yuan, but it still serves essential specialties such as mini steamed buns, steamed chicken, stir-fried mountain greens, rice noodle soup, and sweet potato soup. Both places are perfect for group dining, offering set meals that include their signature dishes.
Address: No. 55-11, Zhuzihhu Road, Yangmingshan, Beitou District, Taipei City
Phone: 02-2861-9165 / 0918-084-798
Business hours:
Monday to Saturday, 09:00–21:00 (Closed on Wednesdays)
Sunday, 10:00–21:00
Parking: Available
Address: Next to No. 55-12, Zhuzihhu Road, Beitou District, Taipei City
Phone: 02-2861-1558
Business hours:
Monday to Sunday, 10:00–21:00
Parking: Available
Starting from the Erziping Visitor Center to the Erziping Recreation Area Trail, the total length is 1.8 km. There are wooden boardwalks, information signs, and rest benches along the way. With stops along the way, I felt like I arrived at the Erziping Recreation Area (the endpoint) in no time. The full walk takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes (round trip). The recreation area is spacious and open, equipped with rest pavilions, picnic tables, and public toilets. There are three water ecological ponds in the middle, home to dozens of aquatic plant species. In summer, you can observe many frogs and fireflies.
Located on the leeward side of Datun Mountain’s western face, the area is often shrouded in mist, offering beautiful scenery. Additionally, situated between subtropical and warm temperate zones, the climate is mild with complex forest vegetation and a wide variety of plant species, making it ideal for butterfly watching, birdwatching, hiking, nature walks, sightseeing, and plant observation. This trail is also the only barrier-free path in the Yangmingshan area, designed for people with mobility challenges. As a result, many families and hikers bring food here for picnics. It's also known as the Butterfly Corridor Trail — why not come for a picnic date with the butterflies?
Address: No. 53-3, Chezhen, Xinghua Village, Sanzhi District, New Taipei City
Phone: 02-2862-6246 (Erziping Visitor Service Station)
Parking: Available
As "Little Oil Pit" is a post-volcanic geological landscape area, the moment you park at the Little Oil Pit parking lot, you can't help but be awestruck by the spectacular collapsed terrain, the white smoke billowing out, and the strong smell of sulfur. Upon closer inspection, you'll find numerous fumaroles, hot springs, and sulfur crystals formed by "post-volcanic activity," which are especially fascinating—even kids find them intriguing and keep asking curious questions.
Additionally, to allow visitors a more immersive experience, there’s an unfenced walking trail on one side. Please be cautious around these fumaroles—never touch or try to feel them, as it’s extremely dangerous. Besides viewing the fumaroles at Little Oil Pit, families with children interested in plants can also take about ten minutes to explore the nearby Arrow Bamboo Forest Trail to observe the arrow bamboo forest, Miscanthus grassland, and volcanic plant ecology.
Address: No. 69, Zhuzihhu Road, Beitou District, Taipei City
Phone: 02-2861-7024 (Little Oil Pit Visitor Service Station)
Parking: Available (Fee required)
Note: Please be cautious of open fumaroles.
The "Qingtian Gang Circular Trail" starts from the Qingtian Gang Lingtou UΑ? Visitor Education Center and spans approximately 1.4 kilometers. It takes about 50 minutes to complete the entire trail. Along the way, you’ll be greeted by vast stretches of lush green grasslands and mountains, offering a refreshing and expansive view.
Visiting "Qingtian Gang" in summer lets you enjoy the verdant grasslands, while autumn brings golden fields of Miscanthus grass, along with leisurely grazing cattle—you can’t help but envy their life lying in such a scenic grassland. We, of course, weren’t to be outdone—we spread out a mat, picked a nice spot, and relaxed while watching the mountain mist shift with the light, clouds drifting by, birds flying freely, and enjoying the gentle breeze that brought sheer relaxation.
P.S. The best times to visit Qingtian Gang are spring and autumn. In summer, avoid the midday sun—early mornings or evenings offer a uniquely beautiful atmosphere.
Address: No. 246, Lane 101, Jingshan Road, Shilin District, Taipei City
Phone: 02-2861-5404 / 02-2861-2414 (Qingtian Gang Visitor Service Station)
Parking: Available (Fee required)
Note:
1. The cattle on the Qingtian Gang grassland are wild by nature—please keep your distance for safety.
2. The weather here is changeable; prepare rain gear and warm clothing for hiking.
3. Please do not cross fence boundaries, as those areas are off-limits.
Visiting Yangmingshan isn’t just about hiking and enjoying nature—you can also play in the streams and have water fights. Fugui Farm is the perfect summer retreat. The area boasts rich ecology with diverse plant species, and you’ll often see butterflies and insects. There are guided eco-tours, hands-on educational activities, and a wide variety of DIY options. Facilities are well-developed, including trampolines, sandpits, swings, suspension bridges, and more. You can also have barbecues and play in the streams, making it a popular choice for kindergarten, elementary school, and corporate group outings and field trips.
However, for visitors coming on weekends, guided tours are only offered once a day at 13:30. There are limited DIY options, including sand candle painting, hammer-dyed scarves, bamboo water guns, painted piggy banks, and Indigo dyeing. If you get thirsty or hungry during your visit, don’t worry—meals, drinks, and afternoon tea are available. The highlight is the freshly grilled barrel chicken set meals, and barbecue services are also offered.
Address: No. 18, Lane 131, Jingshan Road, Shilin District, Taipei City
Phone: 02-2862-2145
Business Hours: Monday to Sunday, 09:00–17:00
Parking: Available
The dreamlike scenery of "Shuizhongyang" featuring layered traditional terraced paddies and rice fields can be found in the "Bayan Settlement," a place like a hidden paradise that leaves a deep and unforgettable impression. Different seasons and times of day offer varying views—even on overcast days, there’s a serene beauty, as if it were a traditional ink-wash landscape painting.
However, this is no longer a place you can visit freely, as Shuizhongyang is actually private land. Previously, the Yangmingshan National Park Administration leased it from the landowner for NT$30,000 per year to provide tourist access, but when the lease expired, the lack of rent, coupled with residents still living in the "Bayan Settlement," led to the current system of reservations and fees to protect the living rights and sustainable management of the community. Visitors wishing to see Bayan must apply for a visit at least seven days in advance. The settlement also occasionally hosts experience activities to help the public learn more about the local culture. Those who enjoy in-depth travel should remember to book a guided tour.
Address: 7.2k mark on Yangjin Highway
Phone: 02-2408-2040
Parking: Available (Fee required)
Note:
1. Be sure to apply for a visit reservation with the settlement at least seven days in advance.
2. Please confirm the fee when making a phone call.
A pair of brothers, unwilling to see their mother toil, gave up their previous high-paying jobs to wholeheartedly create a sweet potato-themed farm. Since "Wangwang Sweet Potato Farm" is located at the top of Liugu Plain, a specialized sweet potato-growing area in Jinshan, and irrigated with spring water from the Datun Mountain Range, it always attracts many visitors to experience the joy of harvesting sweet potatoes during its production season from August to November. In 2016, they invested heavily to renovate the farm area, making public amenities even more complete.
The owner runs the farm with heartfelt consideration for the customers' perspective. Although the facilities are not luxurious, every detail makes you feel right at home. As the sweet potato harvest season runs from August to November, during the off-season, activities include experiencing how to plant sweet potatoes and harvest sweet potato leaves. Additionally, through explanations by activity instructors, you can learn special techniques and methods. At the end of the activities, you can even make your own sweet potato leaf potted plant and receive a little sweet potato farmer certificate, giving children memories and a sense of achievement.
Visiting a sweet potato farm without trying roasted sweet potato just feels incomplete—I get it. Here, of course, you’ll enjoy a claypot BBQ feast. The farm offers two completely different types of claypot BBQs for different grilling experiences. The traditional earth pit oven offers the most authentic countryside vibe, but if you’re traveling with young children, we recommend choosing the brick oven instead. What was originally a water storage pond for the dry season becomes a children’s pool in the summer—kids are bound to go wild here.
Address: No. 74, Liugulin Kou, Zhonghe Li, Jinshan District, New Taipei City
Phone: 0961-555-515
Business Hours: 09:30–18:00 (Closed on Mondays)
Parking: Street parking
Note: No entrance fee. Activity experiences and guided tours require prior reservation.
"Shilin Night Market" is the largest night market within Taipei City and a must-visit night market for international tourists coming to Taipei. It covers a very large area and can be divided into two main sections: one around the traditional Yangming Theater, including the area near Danan Road and Cizhi Palace, and the other being the reopened Shilin Market at No. 101 Jihhe Road. Most visitors come to the night market mainly for food and shopping. There is a wide variety of novel and fun goods and delicacies that attract large crowds.
If you come to Shilin and don’t eat or drink at "Shilin Night Market," it’s as good as not visiting Taipei at all. Moreover, one of the most representative special features of Taiwan is its night market culture. Shilin Night Market is famous for its diverse street foods, essentially covering all of Taiwan’s famous snacks. But with so many options at Shilin Night Market that it’s overwhelming, you might not know where to start. Why not just follow the crowd or check out my totally irresponsible food pocket list!
Zengguo Stinky Tofu (Stall 3), Zhongcheng Hao (Stalls 4–7), Old Place Guancai Ban (Stall 11), Taiwan Authentic Iced Tea (Stall 15), Old Stall Teppanyaki (Stalls 25–27), Shilin F Ji Big Sausage (Stall 57), Hao Da Da Chicken Cutlet (Stall 61), Zengji Dingbiancuo (Stalls 63–66), Old Shilin Big Pancake with Small Pancake (Stall 67), 303 Congee Specialty Store (Stalls 86 & 87).
Guanzhilin Big Sausage with Intestine, Prince Potato, Hometown Charcoal-Grilled Chicken Cutlet, Stinky Tofu with Pig Blood Soup, Kaohsiung Dongshan Duck Head, Auntie’s Salted Chicken (opposite Shiquan Medicine Stall).
No-Name Squid Soup, Good Friends Cold Noodles, Old Shilin Xiaoji Charcoal-Grilled Meat Rolls, Wangji Herbal Tea – 50-Year-Old Shop with Rich Herbal Tea, Hometown Cold Noodles, Ahui Vermicelli, Qianxifu Big Sausage with Intestine, A Liang Vermicelli, Miaokou Delicious Meat Buns, Jian Papaya Milk, Shilin Bo Tofu Pudding, Hei Lulu Tapioca Pearls, Zhen Zhudan, Thai Cheap Southeast Asian Snacks, Kou T Spicy Stinky Tofu, Cai Yuan Yi Black Tea (in the alley next to Shilin Market), Yili Bubble Ice (in the alley next to Shilin Market).
Shilin Tianbu La, Shilin Stir-Fried Lamb, Haiyou Shiquan Pork Ribs.
Twin Donuts & Twists, Vegetarian Beef Tongue Pastry, Kekeke Bursting Grilled Boneless Chicken Leg Rolls, Guojia Scallion Pancakes, Honey Crispy Chicken Cutlet, Kou T Spicy Stinky Tofu, Prince Potato, Yi Ju Salted Mushrooms, Hao Da Chicken Cutlet, Lado Alibaba Flatbread, Wuji Frog Eggs (in the alley opposite Yangming Theater).
Wuji Vegetarian Spicy Tofu, Wangji Frog Eggs, Shanghai Pan-Fried Dumplings, Milk Tea Mom, Indigenous Unsatisfied Big Sausage with Intestine, Azong Vermicelli, Abuelo Vegetable Roll, Up Thai Banana Pancake, Japan TV Champion Crispy Egg Cake.
Zhongji Original Shanghai Pan-Fried Dumplings.
P.S. The above stalls may have changed locations or ceased operations. For reference only.
[Sleeping Angel Waking Demon Growth Log]Authorized reprint. Original source: [Yangjin Highway One-Day Tour – Routes 1, 2, 3, 4, Choose Your Adventure]
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